Crop-by-Crop

Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) may damage not only grape berries, but also grapevines. Insecticides control BMSB to a degree, but only when insects are caged on treated vines and only after several days. Researchers are seeking an effective control strategy.

BMSB feeds on orchard crops, including apple, hazelnut, peach and pear. In recent research, scientists are trying to understand when and how BMSB damages orchard crops. They are also working to identify light and scent baits to attract insects into traps in orchards.

BMSB feeds on common ornamental plants, including catalpa, paulownia and tree of heaven. Researchers are studying ornamental plants adjacent to other types of land to determine which areas may be particularly at risk.

BMSB feeds on eggplant, lima beans, okra, pepper, snap beans, sweet corn and tomatoes. Researchers are focusing on how and when BMSB may move between hosts and exploring whether traps can be used as monitoring tools in field crops.

Researchers are monitoring BMSB's effect on field crops as part of a project that is distinct from the specialty crops grant represented on this website. We provide links to this project, which may interest some specialty crop growers.